For years, Southside Elementary’s motto has been “Southside Shines.”

Southside is shining especially bright these days.

Nearly 40 years ago, grizzly bears were first listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. At the time, the act was just two years old.

A lot has changed since the early 1970s.

In makeshift pharmacies with dirt floors and natural light coming from holes in rooftops, Kendra VanGrinsven found herself far removed from the tidy, organized settings she is used to as a pharmacist.

You always were welcome in Mike Starcevich’s library.

Commonly known as Starc, he often greeted students and teachers with a grin and a friendly “Good morning!” no matter the time of day.

Trinity Bible Church leasing space to school

The sounds of kids reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, learning the alphabet and singing songs have returned to the halls of the old Southside Elementary School building.

At every grade level and subject tested, Powell students exceeded the statewide average on the annual Proficiency Assessments for Wyoming Students, commonly known as PAWS.

A teacher who instructs every local elementary student was named the Park County School District No. 1 Teacher of the Year.

Marsha Neubert has taught for 25 years. She spent most of her career in the gymnasium as a P.E. instructor. Seven years ago, she made the transition to become the full-time health teacher for Powell’s elementary schools.

The Powell school district’s old pool/auditorium property was worth more than a quarter million dollars, an auction determined Tuesday night.

It took just five minutes for the value to rise to $285,000. Four bidders quickly drove the price up nearly $150,000 from the opening bid of $136,000.

Powell takes pride in its trees. For nearly 25 years, Powell has been named a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Foundation for demonstrating a commitment to caring for its public trees.

As Mayor Don Hillman’s Arbor Day proclamation has declared in the past: “Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community ... trees are a source of joy.”

What will become of the land where the old pool/auditorium once stood?

It depends on who’s the highest bidder.

The property on North Evarts Street will be put up for auction at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9.